Murder plea: McLoud man set for sentencing in death of 3-year-old boy

A McLoud man charged with first-degree murder in the 2010 death of his girlfriend's child has pleaded guilty in the case and is set for sentencing.

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The Shawnee News-Star

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Posted Sep. 14, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Updated Sep 17, 2012 at 11:00 AM

Posted Sep. 14, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Updated Sep 17, 2012 at 11:00 AM

A McLoud man charged with first-degree murder in the 2010 death of his girlfriend's child has pleaded guilty in the case and is set for sentencing.

Jason William Cline, 28, was scheduled for jury trial next week in Pottawatomie County District Court. Instead, he'll face sentencing Monday morning after choosing to enter a guilty plea in the case.

Charges allege Cline caused the death of Cody Paul Chama, 3, by "willful or malicious use of reasonable force," to the child's head on Oct. 5, 2010, causing wounds from which the child died.

Cody died Oct. 6, 2010 at Children's Hospital at OU Medical Center.

According to the arrest affidavit originally filed in the case, Cline was the boyfriend of Chama's mother and they all lived at a home in McLoud. Cline also was reported to be on the only adult with Cody when he sustained injuries that led to his death.

Emergency personnel responded to the home after Cline called 911 to report the child wasn't breathing and that he had started CPR.

Cody was first treated at Shawnee's hospital and then transferred to Oklahoma city, where doctors reported tests showed a brain bleed and severe hemorrhaging in both eyes, with a doctor concluding they were injuries consistent with child abuse, court documents shows.

McLoud police began investigating and the District Attorney's Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force also probed the child's death, which resulted in Cline's arrest and charges.

With Cline entering a blind plea in the case, his sentence will be up to the judge. He could face life in prison with or without the possibility of parole.